Globish, and faux Facebook fans

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In this week’s World in Words podcast, the case for and against Globish. A group of writers and artists debate the proposition that a simplified version of English is uniquely equipped to take over the world. Also, health care access for non-English speakers in the United States. Plus, a conversation with Gregory Levey, whose book “Shut Up I’m Talking” has more Facebook fans than Bill Clinton. Download MP3

Two American journalists in North Korea go home

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Two American journalists are home safe and sound after nearly five months in North Korean captivity. Former President Bill Clinton helped bring them home. The World’s Matthew Bell looks at how Mr. Clinton’s mission differed from that of former President Jimmy Carter’s 1994 visit to North Korea.

North Korea pardons US reporters

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Former president Bill Clinton’s surprise visit to North Korea appears to have won the release of two American journalists. North Korea’s news agency says Laura Ling and Euna Lee have been pardoned. They were arrested last March and convicted of violating North Korea’s border. Clinton arrived in a private plane in Pyongyang today to try to win their release. He was greeted warmly and had a meeting with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-Il. The announcement of a special pardon from Kim himself came several hours later. >>> Click here for the latest from the BBC.

Criticism for journalists freed by North Korea

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Today on The World, South Koreans are welcoming Pyongyang’s release of journalists Laura Ling and Euna Lee. Some see it as a sign that North Korea may be ready to re-open dialogue and calm tensions on the peninsula. But some North Korea activists are still concerned that what Ling, Lee and many other reporters have done in northeast China, has put their work in jeopardy. From Seoul, Jason Strother reports. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong) >>>Click here for the latest BBC coverage.